Francis Halzen wins Nobel physics prize for work on ‘ghostly messengers’ from outer space
Belgian physicist Francis Halzen received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. His work utilizes South Pole ice to detect high-energy neutrinos, providing new insights into the origins of the universe.
Why it matters
The discovery of these 'ghostly messengers' provides a unique way to study high-energy cosmic processes that do not interact with traditional light-based telescopes.
Physicist Francis Halzen was honoured “for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin”.
Listen STOCKHOLM – Belgian physicist Francis Halzen on Oct 6 won the Nobel physics prize for groundbreaking work using South Pole ice to capture neutrinos originating in the distant cosmos, providing insight into the far reaches of space.
“This year’s prize is about ghostly messengers from space,” Ellen Moons, secretary-general of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, told a news conference. Halzen was honoured “for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin”, the jury said.
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